The New Normal



It's been awhile since I've written (again). Things are pretty crazy in the world right now, and I don't think I've really been able to stop and reflect on my feelings about all of it. It's my fourth week working from home. I started in mid-March. The first day was insane, but after that it wasn't too bad. I've gotten used to it by now. A lot of businesses have been affected. I'm lucky that I'm only getting a slight cut in pay/hours starting next week until the end of June. There were so many people who were laid off and furloughed, including my sister. My heart BREAKS for them. I was that person. Even though it wasn't because of a pandemic, I've been axed from temporary jobs (sometimes sooner than expected), and unemployed for months on end. It is so weird that I'm one of the only people in my household working this week because my parents are retired and my other sister, who is a teacher, is on Spring Break.. or maybe I should call it "spring break."

Speaking of Spring Break, my heart also breaks for all of the events that have been affected by all of this. Broadway is dark for an unexpected amount of time. I had tickets to see two shows this month but I'll be able to reschedule at a later date. Concerts and sporting events are called off. The Olympics were even postponed. These are all forms of entertainment and while there are more important things to worry about right now, they take people away from the stresses of life and bring happiness. Weddings, graduations, and other special occasions have been canceled and postponed. Seniors who are graduating college have been ripped away from their friends and campuses without getting to say goodbye. It kills me. My cruise was canceled. I was supposed to be on it this week. Of course, it hurt my feelings but in other ways it made me put my priorities in perspective. I am healthy. I am safe in my house with my family. I have a fridge full of food and a place to sleep. Not everyone can say that. My sister's 30th birthday was this weekend. It made me sad to have to see her celebrate such a milestone birthday during all of this, but we made the day so special for her and she got her mind off of it for most of the day, which was great! My other sister and I even got a Cameo message for her from a Real Housewife! She was THRILLED about that. Still not over it.

This whole pandemic is so strange. Most of us are used to it by now, but I'm hoping that it's all over sooner rather than later. Whenever that is, I will cherish every moment of being around people, whether it is going to a restaurant, the mall, or a Broadway show. And when it is over, people will never take certain things for granted again.

If you are bored while stuck at home, I'm going to plug the two articles I wrote last month because #SELFPROMOTION!

BWW Interview: Executive Director Colleen Cook Reflects on the Past, Present, and Future of Holmdel Theatre Company

BWW Review: Roald Dahl's MATILDA at Axelrod Performing Arts Center is a Whimsical Book Adaptation Brought to the Stage

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